News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

January 10, 2011

After meeting with the Carolina Panthers Saturday about their head-coaching position, 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has interviews set up with the Cardinals, Cowboys and perhaps the Chargers, according to SI's Jim Trotter. Those interviews are for defensive coordinator, a signal that Manusky's tenure in San Francisco is over. The 49ers would not have given Manusky permission to make a lateral move if they planned to retain him.

The 49ers are believed to be targeting Vic Fangio, who worked under new head coach Jim Harbaugh at Stanford, for Manusky's position. Fangio, however, has other suitors, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He has spoken to the Cowboys about their vacancy at defensive coordinator. You can read more about Fangio here. Fangio also is being considered as a possible replacement for Harbaugh at Stanford along with offensive coordinator David Shaw and assistant head coach Greg Roman.

Before joining the 49ers in 2007, Manusky worked for three seasons under Wade Phillips in San Diego as a linebackers coach. The Cowboys, who fired Phillips as their head coach during the season, would have continuity on their defense if Manusky joined the staff. The Cardinals, meanwhile, fired defensive coordinator Billy Davis on Thursday. The Chargers also could have an opening at defensive coordinator if Ron Rivera, as expected, is hired as the Panthers' head coach.

Harbaugh met today with coaches from Mike Singletary's staff. Those who appear to have a good chance of being retained include defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, who is a favorite of team President Jed York, running backs coach Tom Rathman, who is well-versed with the type of power-based West Coast offense Harbaugh will run and offensive line coach Mike Solari, who also has experience with the West Coast offense.

MATTHEW BARROWS

Matt was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green.